God, the divine switchboard operator

by Guest blogger

by Kathryn Haueisen

I sometimes think of God as the divine switchboard operator. Not long ago, switchboard operators connected us to each other through a system of cables. I remembered this when watching an episode of the series, “The Crown.” A dozen or more women sat pulling and plugging in cables as fast as they could go.

We don’t connect that way now. Nor will you find any references to switchboard operators in Scripture. Still, I have often experienced God as the One who sometimes connects people who might find benefit in being in touch with one another.

Welcome to Texas

Two seats away from me one Sunday in church was a young man I didn’t recognize. The attendance at this service is small enough that we recognize newcomers. I greeted him and asked if he had any questions.

He didn’t. But, he said that he was new to Houston. He was recently divorced and had started worshipping in Lutheran congregations because that’s where his sister worships back home. He mentioned he needed to get a Texas real estate license, so he could resume his vocation as a realtor.

There’s not much amazing about that. The switchboard function kicked in a few minutes later when Connie sat down in front of us. She turned to greet the young man. I told her about his need to get a Texas real estate license. I’d already told him Connie’s husband works in real estate. “And we’re looking for help,” she said.

Coincidence or operator on duty?

I didn’t know that. At coffee hour, I noticed she and her husband talking to our church guest. Coincidence?

God often likes to work through coincidences or small-world encounters. I don’t believe God micromanages our every thought and action. We make choices based on a variety of complex factors.

Yet, I do believe God sometimes intervenes to do a little networking. Say, we start thinking about someone we haven’t thought about in a while. If we contact that person, we may learn they are going through a rough patch of life and needed to hear from someone who would care.

As the Divine switchboard operator, God helps us connect with people who enrich our lives. God senses it would be good for two people to get together; then arranges to plug them into each other’s lives.

What experiences have you had connecting with someone in a rather remarkable way?

Kathryn Haueisen is a retired pastor who lives in Texas with her husband. She spends her days writing, gardening and wondering what her grandchildren are doing. She blogs about people, places and programs that make helpful contributions to society at www.howwisethen.com.